Great sharp lens! I use it on my D3 all the time now.
I purchased this lens brand new for twice the price as in the US, and it’s easily worth it. The build quality is unmatched by new lenses, even the best professional ones.

The AIS version of this lens is spectacular. Someone said that it is the sharpest wide angle Nikon makes. I believe it! That along with the Nikkor 20MM F2.8 AIS. I use these two lenses to cover my wide angle needs. The R&L reviews give both of these lenses a 5. I've used the 24MM & 35MM combination together but I prefer the 28MM & 20MM combo the best. They seem to do the job. Nikon engineers did very, very well with their 8 element, 8 group design. Now, if they could only stop making plastic lenses!!!

Very versatile normal-wide angle lens. Now adays, 28 is not really a extreme wide angle anymore but about 6 years ago when I bought this lens as new, it blew my minds away with the optical performance and its 74° field of view. The contrasts and sharpness was amazing.
I bought f2.0 first and it was also excellent lens but for a stop difference I couldnt pay for double of 2.8 which is great lens. I'm glad I got this. 28f2.8AIS with Tri-X 400 on my FM2n(before)FM3A(today) it is excellent tool for general/street photography. I still use this like my prime lens beside 45f2.8AIP.

Strengths: Even sharp image at f2.8
Around f5.6 and above is perfect.
I never seen this sharp wide angle lens from nikon with wide open apature.
Has usual Nikon distortion which I think is normal.
Excellent color and b/w rendertion.

Weaknesses: None

Bottom Line:

A Fantastic Lens!
Small and Super Sharp. I've shot 10rolls of Velvia 50 so far with alot of black and white films, the results are fantastic.
It was only available in new at B&H as gray market but I'm so glad I got this superb lens.
Now it's my everyday lens on my FM3A.
I love this lens!!